A Long Island Sound climate change sentinel is a
measurable variable (whether an abiotic factor, a system, process, or
species) in the Long Island Sound estuarine or coastal ecosystems that
is likely to be affected by climate change and that can be monitored.

II. Ideal Attributes

The indicators that will be the most effective sentinels
of climate change ideally will possess all of the following attributes:

They can be measured at multiple sites, so that
comparison between sites can be made;

The climate change signal for the indicator can be
distinguished from natural variations or anthropogenic stressors with
the appropriate sampling resolution;

a species at the edge of its range (fringe) or in
a habitat that is limited

They have an existing or potential data record that
would allow comparison of historic, current, and future conditions

They can be measured and studied feasibly with
respect to cost and available technology (or new technology can be
developed in order to support their measurement).

The term “indicator” as used here is consistent with
EPA’s Climate Ready Estuaries program (see Appendix A for a Glossary of
Terms and List of Abbreviations).

III. Approved Sentinels for Long
Island Sound

The following table is the list of approved sentinels and associated indicators that are or can be measured in an attempt to
detect change brought about by climate change. The database contains information about data related to this specific list of sentinels.